Brace yourself, pickleball fans! The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) has selected The Fort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, as its permanent home. With this ambitious plan, the APP has become the first pickleball organization in the world to have an official headquarters and training center.
"Our new headquarters and training facility provides the Association of Pickleball Players an incredible opportunity to grow beyond hosting world-class events," APP Founder Ken Herrmann said in the press release, with The Fort being the world's first pickleball stadium.
"The Fort will set the bar for pickleball facilities worldwide and will allow us to further develop the APP into the leading global pickleball organization. We cannot wait to officially call South Florida—the epicenter of pickleball action—our home." He added, whose excitement was shared by co-founder Brad Tuckman.
"Aligning with the APP was a natural choice, as their vision mirrors our own—to elevate the game while honoring its inclusive roots as a sport for everyone, whether for social play or professional ambition," Tuckman said, adding that The Fort will provide a perfect blend of competition and unparalleled entertainment for everyone,
First announced last December, the Fort in Lauderdale will sit adjacent to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. This 4,000-square-foot state-of-the-art facility shall boast a whopping 43 professional pickleball courts,14 of which are weatherproof.
As it aims to be one of the strongest pickleball communities in the world, The Fort also features a pro shop, locker rooms, a fitness recovery center, and food and beverage options that capture the essence of the South Florida lifestyle. It shall also serve as the official training home for the APP Next Gen National Team this February.
The Fort is gearing up for its grand opening later this year. Just in time to welcome pickleball players to the APP's final Major of the 2024 season. This groundbreaking venue shall hold world-class, international pickleball tournaments, catering to elite pros, aspiring professionals, and casual players.
Incidentally, this exciting announcement came during the 2024 APP Punta Gorda Open, which started on Wednesday, January 17, and will end this Sunday, January 21. And in case you're not aware, this event is one of the 5 APP Tour Golden Ticket events for the 2024 USA Pickleball National Championships.
